Objectives: The objective of this presentation is to provide surgeons an algorithm for combining energy based devices in body contouring.
Understand how to combine ultrasound-assisted liposuction, bipolar radiofrequency, and cold helium plasma RF for advanced body sculpting.
Develop a roadmap to determine energy levels and end points for each device, ensuring predictable and safe outcomes.
Learn how to tailor energy protocols based on patient characteristics, treatment areas, and tissue response.
Enhance precision and safety in combining energy platforms to maximize results while minimizing risks
Introduction: The advent of energy-based devices like ultrasound-assisted liposuction, bipolar radiofrequency, and cold helium plasma RF has revolutionized body sculpting, each offering unique benefits. However, despite their popularity, there remains no general consensus on how to use these devices in combination for optimal results. More importantly, there is limited guidance on adjusting protocols for different patient profiles and treatment areas, leaving many practitioners seeking a clear roadmap for effective, personalized use.
Materials / method: In developing this algorithm, patient factors such as age, pregnancy history, ethnic background, tobacco use, skin quality, prior surgeries, and the treatment area were evaluated and assigned a score. This scoring system was used to assess how different energy-based devices—ultrasound-assisted liposuction, bipolar radiofrequency, and cold helium plasma RF—perform in combination. By analyzing these scores, we determined which device combinations yield optimal skin retraction and contouring results for various patient profiles.
Results: The number of pregnancies was the most significant predictor of tissue response to combination energy treatments. Patients in their 50s showed a lesser response to the energy platforms. In the extremities, ultrasound-assisted liposuction combined with bipolar radiofrequency yielded the best tissue contraction and skin texture. Patients of Middle Eastern and Northern European backgrounds had suboptimal outcomes compared to their Latino and Asian counterparts. These findings emphasize the need to tailor energy use based on individual patient factors for optimal results.
Conclusion: Navigating multimodality therapies in body sculpting can be challenging, as improper use of devices in the wrong scenarios may lead to less-than-ideal results. To fully optimize combination therapies, it’s crucial to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique characteristics, including age, pregnancy history, tobacco use, ethnicity, and treatment area. This study is the first to explore how these factors influence device selection, helping identify candidates suited for liposculpting versus those who may need excisional surgery, ensuring better outcomes and safety.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability